Dillian also did not fancy Cornish’s chances against Joshua. “I just see him getting sparked out early,” he said, before adding. “I see Joshua getting sparked out by me in December.”

The Highlander remained composed but his promoter, Tommy Gilmour insisted, “For somebody who has never lost as an amateur or a professional to be totally dismissed in the way that he has been, I think it’s something that’s brought shame on the promotion.”

As Tommy rounded on the promoter and broadcaster, Dillian intervened to say, “He’s going to get knocked out either way. If he beats Anthony, I’m going to knock him out in December.”

Whyte did give credit to the man he faces on Saturday, Brian Minto. “It’s also good to get some rounds and get some valuable experience so I was trying to get someone to give me that. Brian Minto, I think he’ll be the perfect guy. He’s experienced, he’s a tough guy,” he said.

A thriller lined up for Saturday’s undercard sees Dave Ryan rematch John Wayne Hibbert for the Commonwealth super-lightweight title. Ryan, victor last time, insists, “I walked on to his shots last time, he hit me with his best. I still got up. There’s just no way he’s going to beat me.” If this is anything like their last fight, it should be a cracker. Also look out for Charlie Edwards taking on Louis Norman for the English flyweight title in only his fifth pro contest and the debuts of Jake Ball and ferocious welterweight Ted Cheeseman.